Christmas Belen and Parol
Belen is a Christmas symbol by Filipino. It is composed of baby Jesus Christ surrounded by Mama Mary, St. Joseph, the shepherds, their flock, the Magi or also known as the three wisemen, and some stable animals and angels. Belens are usually seen at churches for the preparation of Christmas.
Philippines won first place as best Belen in the Tarlac province for two consecutive years, 2007 and 2008. Christmas parol or lantern are usually used to decorate the belen. It represents the Star of Bethlehem that lead the Three Magis journey to find the King.
Parol, also known as star lantern, are not stricly a custom, but every Christmas season, Filipino homes and buildings are decorated with beautiful parol . The earliest parols were traditionally made from simple materials like bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper, known as "papel de Hapon", or crepe paper, and a candle or coconut oil-lamp for illumination; although the present day parol can take many different shapes and forms. The most base form of the lantern is a 5-pointed star with two "tails" at the lower two tips. Other variations are 4, 8, 10 pointed stars with the rarer 6, 16 and so on pointed stars. The parol is also traditionally made of lacquered paper and bamboo, but others are made of cellophane, plastic, rope, capiz shell and a wide variety of materials. Making parols is a folk craft, and most Filipino kids have tried their hand at making a parol at one time or another, maybe as a school project or otherwise. The most basic parol can be easily constructed with just ten bamboo sticks, sticks, paper, and glue.
Philippines won first place as best Belen in the Tarlac province for two consecutive years, 2007 and 2008. Christmas parol or lantern are usually used to decorate the belen. It represents the Star of Bethlehem that lead the Three Magis journey to find the King.
Parol, also known as star lantern, are not stricly a custom, but every Christmas season, Filipino homes and buildings are decorated with beautiful parol . The earliest parols were traditionally made from simple materials like bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper, known as "papel de Hapon", or crepe paper, and a candle or coconut oil-lamp for illumination; although the present day parol can take many different shapes and forms. The most base form of the lantern is a 5-pointed star with two "tails" at the lower two tips. Other variations are 4, 8, 10 pointed stars with the rarer 6, 16 and so on pointed stars. The parol is also traditionally made of lacquered paper and bamboo, but others are made of cellophane, plastic, rope, capiz shell and a wide variety of materials. Making parols is a folk craft, and most Filipino kids have tried their hand at making a parol at one time or another, maybe as a school project or otherwise. The most basic parol can be easily constructed with just ten bamboo sticks, sticks, paper, and glue.
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